Del Mar Horse Racing and Track Events
Del Mar Horse Racing and Track Events
July 22 - Sept 9, 2009
Del Mar Racetrack
Del Mar Fairgrounds
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Del Mar, CA
(858) 755-1141
More info: Del Mar Turf Club
Info from 2008. Updates forthcoming.
The Del Mar Races attract race enthusiasts from all over the world and is considered among the premier horse racing meets in the U.S. The Del Mar Races are put on by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, CA.
The one-mile oval Del Mar thoroughbred race track with stadium seats holds about 14,000 fans.
This summer, from July 16 – Sept. 3, 2008 (July 22 - Sept 9, 2009), San Diego’s Del Mar Racetrack will serve a full schedule of free concerts, events and promotions for celebrities and fun-seekers alike.
In its 69th season of world-class horseracing, Del Mar kick starts San Diego’s summer with Opening Day at Del Mar, a giant party attended by more than 40,000 race fans. One of the highlights of the day is fashion-minded guests competing in the nationally renowned “One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest.”
Topping concert schedules across San Diego, the track’s 2008 Del Mar Summer Concert Series again includes 4 O’Clock Fridays, a free headliner concert following each Friday’s last race. On these days, the first race begins at 4 p.m. with an average crowd of 20,000 starting their weekends right by staying on for the free show.
The 2008 summer schedule at Del Mar also features daylong festivals, concerts and promotions in the Infield nearly every weekend. From microbrews to reggae festivals the racetrack always has things to do. Its richest and most anticipated race, the $1 Million Pacific Classic, will be presented on Sunday, August 24.
Weekend early birds enjoy a buffet breakfast while watching horses going through morning workouts at Daybreak at Del Mar. And kids and families are always welcome, especially for free Family Fun Weekends and the popular Family Fun Day on Sunday, July 20.
The racetrack officially ends the summer fun with Closing Day and the Party in the Paddock on Wednesday, September 3. Guests to San Diego’s premier entertainment venue can enjoy 50 percent admission discounts and other promotions by joining the Diamond Club, free with a simple sign up. Racing at Del Mar is held daily, except Tuesdays, with post time for the first race on most days at 2 p.m.
History
Del Mar's motto, "Where the surf meets the turf at old Del Mar," comes from the race track.
In 1937, the world-class, 350-acre, Del Mar thoroughbred horse-racing track was built and sponsored by Bing Crosby, Pat O'Brien and Paramount Studios.
Since then, the Del Mar race track has become one of the worlds most famous race tracks and has entertained stars such as Douglas Fairbanks, Mickey Rooney, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Jimmy Durante, Dorothy Lamour, Red Skelton, Paulette Goddard and Ava Gardner.
Del Mar's 1993 season marked the opening of a new $80 million grandstand, built in the Spanish mission style of the original structure, featuring more seats, better race viewing, and a centrally located scenic paddock. The $1 million Pacific Classic, featuring the top horses in the country, is held the second weekend in August.
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